Akron-Canton Metroplex Magazine: Summer 2022 issue

MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL INC. CONTINUES TO GROW AND INNOVATE

THE AKRON-CANTON CNC TRAINING CENTER PREPARES THE NEXT GENERATION OF MANUFACTURING PROFESSIONALS

MAGNET ATTRACTS MANUFACTURING GROWTH AND INVESTMENT For more than 30 years, MAGNET has helped manufacturers across the Akron-Canton Metroplex to grow and support the communities in which they reside

MAIN STREET MODERN OFFERS VISITORS MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE AND ART FIT FOR THE MOVIES Akron-Canton Metroplex 388 S Main Street, Suite 720 Akron, OH 44311

Contents

Summer 2022

Photo courtesy PAUL MOSKOWITZ, AKRON VIDEO MAKERS

Columns 2 EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

Manufacturing remains a central part of the Akron-Canton Metroplex’s economy.

4 GUEST COLUMN

Manufacturing within the Akron-Canton Metroplex is not only essential to the region’s economy, but provides exciting career opportunities.

Sectors 32 NONPROFITS

ACE Mentor Program gives students opportunities to build skills in architecture, construction and engineering.

34 EDUCATION

6

The University of Akron’s new Center for Precision Manufacturing trains students to use finishing technologies essential to manufacturing.

MAGNET Attracts Manufacturing Growth and Investment

For more than 30 years, MAGNET has helped manufacturers across the Akron-Canton Metroplex to grow and support the communities in which they reside.

Features

14

20

26

Northeast Ohio seeks $75 million ‘Build Back Better’ boost for manufacturing and polymer industry cluster.

Midwest Industrial Supply continues to develop leading chemical technologies and solutions for its clients.

Akron-Canton CNC training center provides an affordable, handson manufacturing education for an in-demand field.

A ‘Build Back Better’ Boost

Chemical Innovation

Providing Bright Futures

35 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Canton Gear MFG. & Design Co. has developed customized gear manufacturing services to customers ranging from farmers to NASA.

36 COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

North Canton’s Main Street is home to staple businesses and community events.

37 HEALTH CARE

Akron Children’s Hospital provides school-based programming to meet the socialemotional and behavioral health needs of kids.

38 TOURISM

Main Street Modern draws mid-century and vintage enthusiasts from across the country to its collection.

40 ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Cover photo courtesy BOB ROSSITER

A quick look at the massive economic impact manufacturing has within the Akron-Canton Metroplex and throughout the state.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 1

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

The Supply Chain of America

2 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Karp is spot on. As Ohio’s largest economic sector, manufacturing is central to both the Akron-Canton Metroplex, (which contains more than 10% of all manufacturing establishments in Ohio) and the state as a whole. Our success in this area continues to grow, and in 2020, Ohio became the seventh-largest exporting state at $45 billion, in large part thanks to the sales of heavy machinery. (read more on p. 40) As Barbara Bennett, Vice President of Education/Workforce for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, explains in this issue’s guest column, (read more on p. 4), the economic impact that manufacturing has to the AkronCanton Metroplex is immense. Because of this, there exist plenty of open manufacturing jobs that are not only stable and well-paying but are entirely different from the “dirty” and “lowtech” jobs from the 1970s.

“The story that needs to be told is that modern manufacturing is clean, bright and full of technology,” Bennett says.

“In addition, manufacturing provides advancing career opportunities that can transform into a career.”

To prepare the next generation of workers to fill the many openings in these fields, organizations like the Akron CNC Training Center (read more on p. 26) as well as the University of Akron, (read more on p. 34) are hard at work teaching the skills and competencies necessary for success.

This September, the EDA plans to announce the recipients of the Challenge Grant. If the Northeast Ohio proposal is selected, it will strengthen the region’s already sizable manufacturing footprint, bringing even more economic opportunity and national exposure to the Akron-Canton Metroplex.

Aaron Bennett is a freelance editor and writer based in Cuyahoga Falls

Photo courtesy AARON BENNETT

Earlier this year, supporters of a proposal that would bring $75 million in federal cash to support economic development throughout Northeast Ohio, including aid to help cultivate a polymer industry cluster around Akron, made an exciting announcement: their proposal was one of 60 finalists for the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant.

The $1 billion fund is part of the United States’ Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) larger $3 billion American Rescue Plan, legislation signed into law on March 21, 2021, “to respond to and recover from the impacts of COVID-19.” The Challenge Grant received a total of 529 applications from regions across the country.

Because the EDA plans to select up to 30 proposals, the Northeast Ohio proposal, the only one from the state currently in contention, has up to a 50% chance of being funded.

Proponents of the proposal explain that one of the central reasons why it is so strong is because of the collaborative approach with which it was created, with the Greater Akron Chamber and Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) (read more on p.

6) playing significant roles in the process.

MAGNET’s president and CEO, Ethan Karp, feels honored that the Northeast Ohio proposal represents the only finalist in the state and credits the region’s strong existing manufacturing footprint, and a willingness from many parties to come together to benefit the region holistically.

“The collaboration that we pulled together across the entire Northeast Ohio region was really appreciated. And I can’t overstate that,” Karp says. (read more on p. 14) “We really here are the supply chain of America,” he continues. “We make pieces and parts for everything, and we can do that inclusively.”

REMOTE • OFFICE • COWORKING

YOUR BUSINESS THRIVES 388 S. Main St., Suite 720, Akron, Ohio 44311

EDITORIAL EDITOR Aaron Bennett CONTRIBUTORS Abbey Bashor, Aaron Bennett, Barbara Hammontree Bennett, Patricia Faulhaber, Charita Goshay, Jim Mackinnon, Maria McGinnis, Dan Mucci, Kelsey Paulus, Erin Siegferth

Per

tini s, Bou rbo fect Pou r: Mar

n & Bur ger s

Mindy Cannon 330-614-6699 mcannon@localiq.com DESIGN & PRODUCTION GANNETT DESIGN CENTER Jeremy DeLuca Kyle Slagle Rebecca Boneschans Lake Ashley Rogers

*

Startup • Relocate • Expand • • • • • Dir ty River

Bicycle Wo

$1.2B in public and private investment 600,000 square feet of retail space 3 million square feet of office space Convenient public transit Beautiful urban living environment

rks

Try our Site Selection Tool.

COPY EDITING Becky Meziere ADVERTISING SALES COORDINATORS Eugene Jackson ejackson1@localiq.com

DOWNTOWN Top 10 U.S. Metro Area

ue Ho BLU-Tiq Ca sc ade

te l, A Tr

Pl aza

ibut e Po

rtfol io Ho

te l

CALL DOWNTOWN AKRON PARTNERSHIP Site Selection • Business Services info@downtownakron.com 330-374-7676 103 S. High St., 4th Floor | Akron, OH 44308 | downtownakron.com *ranking by total development projects, population 200K - 1M, Site Selection Magazine, March 2021 photos: Shane Wynn, DAP Staff

Akron-Canton Metroplex is made possible with support from:

The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network

AES

BUILDING The Schipper Ltd. / AES Building Where Group, Akron’s leading companies thrive

To provide feedback or share a story idea, please contact us at metroplex@gannett.com

VOLUME 2 / NUMBER 2 Akron-Canton Metroplex is published quarterly by LocaliQ, Gannett Northern Ohio. All contents of this magazine are copyrighted © Gannett Co., Inc. 2022. All Rights Reserved.

Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 3

GUEST COLUMN

Not Your Grandfather’s Manufacturing Manufacturing within the Akron-Canton Metroplex is not only essential to the region’s economy, but provides exciting career opportunities.

Let’s go back to the 1970s. Canton: known for manufacturing steel and roller bearings. Akron: synonymous with the rubber and tire manufacturing industry. Both were cities with good-paying, albeit “dirty” jobs. The question remains, is manufacturing still as relevant in the AkronCanton area today as it was in the 70s, which was, and dare I say it, 50 years ago?

To answer this question, let’s take a look at a few statistics courtesy of MAGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, An Ohio MEP Affiliate). There are currently over 450 companies designated as manufacturers in Stark County alone. More than 26,000 people in Stark County are employed in manufacturing. Manufacturing produces the most wages of any industry in the county.

The average salary of those employed in manufacturing in Stark County is $72,000 per year. Every one manufacturing job drives 3.6 other jobs in our local economy. Summit County has approximately twice the population of Stark County, so I would venture to say that its employment, wages and number of manufacturers is more significant.

What I CAN clearly state is that 45% of Northeast Ohio’s economy is dependent on manufacturing.

So, you bet manufacturing is still relevant and important to the vibrancy and sustainability of our Akron-Canton Metroplex economy! We are all reliant on manufacturing, whether we know it or not. Recognizing the importance of this part of the economy, both the Canton Regional and Greater Akron chambers of commerce have developed programs that support our regional manufacturing industry.

The Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce currently administers and drives the newly founded Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership (SCMWDP). This 501c3 is one of 18 manufacturing industry sector partnerships endorsed by the Ohio Manufacturing Association. The SCMWDP is currently comprised of 40-plus manufacturing employers and other partner organizations consisting of nonprofit, government and educational institutions. MAGNET and the Stark Economic Development Board serve as intermediaries along with the Canton Regional Chamber to promote collaboration among the vested stakeholders. As a sign of the importance of the manufacturing industry, stakeholder engagement and membership with the SCMWDP is growing every month and exceeding goals set at the beginning of the year.

The two main priorities SCMWDP manufacturing 4 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

employers identified pertaining to this workforce are career navigation and outreach. Career navigation is centered around increasing the knowledge of career coaches from nonprofits, guidance counselors, teachers and job seekers. Outreach means building awareness of modern manufacturing careers and recruiting individuals to choose manufacturing career pathways.

Knowing there are thousands of job vacancies in the AkronCanton Metroplex region, manufacturing employers have figured out they too must conduct business differently if they are to compete for the attention of job seekers. The story that needs to be told is that modern manufacturing is clean, bright and full of technology. In addition, manufacturing provides advancing career opportunities that can transform into a career.

There are 37 initiatives that the Canton Chamber is driving for the SCMWDP that were made possible through a competitive grant award from the state of Ohio. Some of these include: • Organizing bus tours through SARTA of manufacturing plants for career navigators and high school teachers so they can see the many career pathways in local manufacturing • Establishing grassroots outreach to underrepresented demographics to recruit, train and place candidates in manufacturing through the National Center for Urban Solutions • Preparing “jobs and careers available” material which was transmitted to every high school graduating senior in the Stark County • Providing a “Made in Stark County” middle school manufacturing camp through partnering with TomTod Ideas, Stark State College and SARTA. These initiatives and many more address the immediate problem of filling open “jobs” and also addresses establishing talent pipelines for the future viability of our local AkronCanton Metroplex manufacturing industry.

No, this is not your grandfather’s manufacturing. It’s so much BETTER! Barbara Hammontree Bennett spent the majority of her career in the consulting engineering industry. She is currently the Vice President of Education/Workforce for the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Photo courtesy BARBARA HAMMONTREE BENNETT

BY BARBARA HAMMONTREE BENNETT

MAGNET Offers a Proven Blueprint for Success to Area Manufacturers 6 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Manufacturing is preparing for long term growth across Akron and Canton and MAGNET is helping lead the way.

BY PATRICIA FAULHABER

Robots on the production line at Kinetico in Newbury, Ohio.

Photo courtesy MAGNET

AGNET (Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network) is a driving force when it comes to assisting manufacturing growth in Northeast Ohio, including those manufacturers located in the Akron-Canton Metroplex.

The organization works with manufacturers to help solve challenging issues and promote growth. To help manufacturers determine where they need to make improvements and updates, MAGNET uses its visionary Blueprint for Manufacturing to highlight four common pillars —talent, transformation, innovation and leadership.

For more than 30 years, MAGNET’s team has been committed to helping manufacturers determine what they need in order to grow. At the same time, MAGNET contributes to improving the community at large through the positive economic impact and job creation generated by the successful transformation of manufacturing companies.

Focusing on client success, MAGNET has worked with thousands of small to medium-sized Ohio manufacturers. Its professionals have a demonstrated track record of working with manufacturers in several broad areas. These include establishing a team-based culture for sustainable growth, redefining processes for efficient onboarding, establishing lean enterprises, streamlining operations, plant layout and more.

Ethan Karp is the president and CEO of MAGNET and describes the Blueprint as, “A vision filled with stories about how manufacturing is making SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 7

THE MAGNET MANAGEMENT TEAM The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) rallies across teams, clients, and regional networks with a shared mission to drive regional manufacturing growth. It’s this mission that’s central to MAGNET’s core values. It focuses on building client success, it takes its relationships personally, and it works to continually optimize resources and improve.

The MAGNET management team includes: ETHAN KARP, Ph.D President and CEO BRANDON CORNUKE Vice President, Strategy/Vice President, Startup Services LEAH EPSTEIN Vice President, Engagement MICHAEL O’DONNELL Vice President, Operations ARAM NERPOUNI Managing Director of Talent MATTHEW FIELDMAN Executive Director, America Works KATIE MAYER Controller MIKE PINTZ Director, Engineering Services LISSY RAND Executive Director, Workforce Partnerships JANELLE LEE Director, Client Engagement DARLYN MCDERMOTT Director, Client Engagement

8 Akron-Canton Metroplex

From left to right: Mike O’Donnell, Vice President of Operations for MAGNET; Steve Millard, President and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber; Dennis P. Saunier, President & CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce; Ethan Karp, President and CEO of MAGNET. Photo by BOB ROSSITER

communities better by making new products, hiring people for high-paying jobs and breaking down racial barriers and working with diverse populations.

MAGNET supports that in whatever way we can.”

Karp says his team and the Blueprint are valuable resources for established smaller manufacturing companies as well as new startups by helping all manufacturers realize who they are and that they are part of something bigger when they collaborate with each other and the community.

“The conversation always begins with what the company’s needs might be,” Karp says. “Established companies may have problems such as developing new marketing and sales strategies to sell their products to new markets. A startup entrepreneur can have a great idea that they developed on the back of something like a napkin and then need help getting that idea from the napkin to production.

“All manufacturers need strong leadership. First at the company level to take the risks and make the changes.

\\ SUMMER 2022

Second at the community level creating strong ecosystems that can work together.”

MAGNET WORKS WITH EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS Mike O’Donnell, vice president of operations at MAGNET says that smaller companies often lack the professionals who can help them with addressing the four Blueprint pillars.

O’Donnell says, “We work with small to medium-sized manufacturers because those are the employers that may not have access to the growth advisors and experts, engineers, consultants and others that we can help provide.”

He says MAGNET works with almost all aspects of a company, including operations, business strategy, the shop floor, technology, engineering, sales and marketing, new engagements and Industry 4.0.

One of the top issues this past year for many companies has been the ability to

find and retain talent. Hiring new talent is an issue, but so is losing employees to other companies.

“Another reason for sluggish growth is that companies are slow to adapt to the innovation of Industry 4.0. Lastly, are the supply chain issues with late deliveries and rising costs that have to be passed on to the consumer,” O’Donnell says.

BLUEPRINT DESIGNED FOR SUCCESS The Blueprint for Manufacturing in Northeast Ohio is the result of 300 hours of conversation with 150 industry influencers — manufacturing CEOs, community and business leaders, academics, workers, students and nonprofit leaders. MAGNET launched the Blueprint just over a year ago. The Blueprint is fully detailed at https:// www.manufacturingsuccess.org/blueprint.

Karp says, “We developed the Blueprint by working with the community to identify what manufacturing will need over the next 10 years. Manufacturing drives half of our state’s economy, it is the past, present and future of our economy in Akron, Canton and all of Northeast Ohio.

“We brought people together to determine what the most important areas for growth. Those are detailed in the four pillars on the Blueprint which include talent and finding future talent; transformation and adopting new technologies; innovation of new products, services and ways of doing business; and leadership to tie it all together. These four areas are where companies have to invest for the future.”

Dynamic leadership at the community level is also needed to support the growth and expansion of manufacturing.

“As a community, we can do amazing things by having an ecosystem that makes it easier for companies to invest

and do what they need to do in order to grow. The Akron-Canton Metroplex is a prime example of communities coming together and working together for bigger things,” Karp says.

The Blueprint can guide established companies as well as new startups.

Karp says that the needs of the two types of companies are different, but both types can benefit from the Blueprint.

“Typically, startups focus on funding for the startup costs and then finding the right market for their product.

MAGNET has published a book (The Value Proposition Matrix by MAGNET VP of Strategy & Innovation Brandon Cornuke) to help startups answer the many questions often have about starting a new venture.”

He added that established companies have much more complex problems.

Companies have operations issues -from cultural to inefficiencies. Other companies have issues with technology and deciding what they need to invest in right now and then finding ways to integrate new technologies. Many companies know they need to automate but may need to decide if they will do a standard automation or a custom automation.

MAGNET can assist with all of those

type of issues including helping to find funding.

WORKING WITH MANUFACTURERS Janelle Lee and Daryln McDermott are part of the growth outreach team at MAGNET as directors of client engagement. Lee is located in the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce office and McDermott works with the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.

When companies reach out to MAGNET or when MAGNET does the outreach, that critical first meeting will be with Lee or McDermott.

“We meet companies coming to us from a variety of sources such as someone calling in, they read about us online or through a meet-and-greet type event,” Lee says. “That first meeting is really an outreach to explore what the company’s needs are and to determine the types of experts that need to be called in to provide solutions. After gaining an understanding of their issues, we go into solutions mode.”

McDermott says having visibility in the counties they work in and working with the chambers of commerce is also beneficial to connecting with manufacturers.

Located within the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, MAGNET helped launch an Innovation & Growth Center that displays a selection of innovation and technology from local area manufactures.

Photo by PAUL MOSKOWITZ/ AKRON VIDEO MAKERS

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 9

THE BLUEPRINT FOR MANUFACTURING MAGNET developed the Blueprint for Manufacturing using information gathered from hundreds of hours of conversation with 150 industry influencers including manufacturing CEOs, community and business leaders, academics, workers, students and nonprofit leaders.

It contains the four pillars or areas that manufacturers must change to continue to economically impact the area, the region and the state by creating new jobs while retaining current employees, transforming their companies to include new technologies and implementing innovative ways to develop and produce new products. Manufacturers need strong leaders who are willing to take bold risks to spur growth.

“It always starts with a conversation so we can become a trusted advisor to company leadership – one they can believe in, so we often spend hours talking with them about their company. We have a genuine curiosity and interest to find what works best for each individual company.”

Darlyn McDermott, Market Leader and Southern Region Director

10 Akron-Canton Metroplex

“It always starts with a conversation so we can become a trusted advisor to company leadership – one they can believe in, so we often spend hours talking with them about their company, McDermott says. “We have a genuine curiosity and interest to find what works best for each individual company.

“We want to find out where they are leaving money on the table. Where are they having trouble with quality issues, or talent issues and finding out how we can help them with those issues. I like to think we are like bees fluttering in and out of the companies and pollinating new ideas and ways to help them grow.”

After the first meeting, MAGNET determines the growth experts and consultants needed. Then, they propose solutions to the manufacturer. The original outreach meeting and the meeting where the proposal is detailed are always provided at no cost. The project proposal will outline the work fees for services accessed to the company once the experts begin the work.

“Once we present the proposal for the project, the experts step in and work with the company. Darlyn or I keep in touch with the company and follow each project as it progresses, but it is really the experts who provide the direction for each project,” Lee says.

Lee and McDermott are passionate about helping companies pinpoint where they are at and use the Blueprint as a way to help companies prioritize what they need.

“There is an old saying in business that ‘confused people can’t buy,’ but I would add that confused people also can’t sell,” McDermott says. “The blueprint allows for a complex set of stakeholders to have a common roadmap and a common way to communicate.

“I’m passionate about helping manufacturers embrace what they need to do to change. I love helping manufacturers make money and to see people and companies grow and get better. It is really an exciting time to be a thought leader in manufacturing and working with the technology. I’m blessed to be working with really talented people.”

Lee also feels the blueprint helps companies more easily realize where they

\\ SUMMER 2022

need to improve in order to grow. She added that the collaborative approach to support manufacturing growth has been highly important.

“The chambers help their clients in so many ways when it comes to business, and they refer manufacturers to MAGNET to help them with their growth needs. We are all helping manufacturers grow. One of the important sector partnerships in Stark County right now is the Stark County Manufacturing Workforce Development Partnership. It is a collaborative launched by the Canton Chamber, Sark County Economic Development Board and MAGNET,” Lee says.

COLLABORATING WITH PARTNERS MAGNET offers its clients access to Northeast Ohio’s growth-enabling network resources. They are committed to building an ecosystem where manufacturers communicate with each other and their partner network connects Ohio manufacturers with growth experts and problem solvers across almost every area of manufacturing.

The Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce (GAC) and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce have partnered with teams from MAGNET. Karp says, “The collaborative partnerships with the chambers are more than just talk, their leadership brings people together and finds ways for their members to engage with each other.”

President of the GAC Steve Millard says that 25% of its membership are manufacturers — around 500 companies.

“We have a long working history with MAGNET in the region,” says Millard.

“That work has accelerated over the last four years as MAGNET established a dedicated office in Akron and we have worked together to be more intentional about connecting MAGNET’s Blueprint initiative with manufacturers in the region. MAGNET was a critical facilitator and partner for recent efforts in pursuit of federal investment in the region’s advanced materials initiatives to build on our legacy of plastic and rubber to advance polymers, liquid

From left to right: Barbara Bennett - Vice President of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Alyssa Carpenter - Director of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber, Janelle Lee - Director of Client Engagement for MAGNET, Darlyn McDermott, Market Leader and Southern Region Director.

Photo by BOB ROSSITER

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 11

crystal and nano materials.”

Millard discussed some of the support measures his organization has offered to help with the challenges his manufacturing members face.

He added, “We have focused on a series of information and educational topics for manufacturers with a special emphasis on connecting, growing and supporting manufacturers and processors of advanced materials. The difficulty is increasing awareness of what they do and the ability to help smaller manufacturers better connect with their resources.

Dennis P. Saunier is the president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber, and he says the Chamber has worked with MAGNET since 2000.

“We have had a strong relationship with MAGNET especially with retention and expansion calls from Stark manufactures,” Saunier says, “In the early days of the partnership, I represented the Chamber and advocated in Washington with select members of Congress, alongside MAGNET, for manufacturing support programs like MAGNET. “When a small-medium manufacturer is dealing with a range of issues, utilizing MAGNET as a core expert allows them to receive support and have the expertise behind them specific to their industry and support throughout the process as they navigate their issues.”

Another way MAGNET has assisted Stark County manufacturers is by developing an Innovation & Growth Center located at the chamber for visitors to view the range of innovation and technology produced by local manufacturers.

Saunier offered a few reasons why manufacturers would want to work with MAGNET. MAGNET is a voice in NEO to support manufacturing’s sustainability and growth because they’re available for technical support and various levels of business support.

Working with their local partners and other economic development agencies, MAGNET is able to identify issues and solutions on the local level.

The relationship between the Canton Regional Chamber and MAGNET has contributed to a stronger network 12 Akron-Canton Metroplex

“When a small-medium manufacturer is dealing with a range of issues, utilizing MAGNET as a core expert allows them to receive support and have the expertise behind them specific to their industry and support throughout the process as they navigate their issues.”

Dennis P. Saunier, president and CEO of the Canton Regional Chamber

of partnerships, resulting in the establishment of multiple regional collaborative efforts for the greater good of the manufacturing industry.

Saunier says, “MAGNET has grown under the leadership of Ethan Karp and a great team of regional business development professionals. They are the go-to, trusted resource in Northeast Ohio for manufacturers who need sup-

\\ SUMMER 2022

port and services.”

The Future of Manufacturing in the Akron-Canton Metroplex Manufacturing is changing. Many companies have updated their work environment to be lighter, brighter and cleaner. They are investing in technologies such as data analytics, robotics, cyber security and other areas that are creating a variety of new types of

Members of MAGNET, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from local manufactures celebrate the opening of the Innovation & Growth Center by cutting a ceremonial ribbon.

Photo by PAUL MOSKOWITZ/ AKRON VIDEO MAKERS

careers such as those in networking, computers, engineering and much more.

O’Donnell says, “The production machine controls these days resemble computer game controllers. It’s exciting to see the technology being used in manufacturing. The companies are realizing they have to integrate today’s technology to grow and stay in business.

“If any manufacturer in the area wants to improve their business, they should reach out to their chambers,

other manufacturers, the community or us. It’s important that they talk to somebody about it. Odds are they will learn something for the good of their business.”

Karp agrees about reaching out to others in the area and the region.

He says, “Partnerships across the region and the different organizations are the way we will make changes. It’s hard for anyone to do it alone. I’m grateful to MAGNET’s partners and for their outreach.”

“It’s a new day in Northeast Ohio.

People are working together more than I have ever seen before. Barriers are dropping and I like to think our Blueprint for Manufacturing is one way to continue to encourage manufacturers to realize their challenges and implement solutions.”

Patricia Faulhaber is an award winning freelance writer, reporter, editor and blogger for business and industry throughout Ohio, the United States and internationally.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 13

Photo courtesy THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

A ‘B Bett The Goodyear Polymer Center on the University of Akron campus.

14 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Build Back ter’ Boost Northeast Ohio seeks $75 million 'Build Back Better' boost for manufacturing and polymer industry cluster.

BY JIM MACKINNON

Northeast Ohio is putting itself in the running for a $75 million infusion of federal cash intended to boost economic development, including growing a polymer industry cluster in and around Akron. • A proposal aimed at securing the funding is now being polished and finalized, focusing on smart manufacturing and advanced materials and centered around eight projects with a strong diversity and inclusion theme. The goal is to improve the regional supply chain and economy while addressing structural inequities that cause individual and community distress.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 15

The Akron Urban League was instrumental in ensuring that the proposal was equitable and inclusive.

MAGNET playing leading role Regional economic development agencies, including the Greater Akron Chamber and MAGNET — the Cleveland-based Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network — are involved, with MAGNET playing the central 16 Akron-Canton Metroplex

role in the effort. Some 18 counties are involved.

The Northeast Ohio proposal is the only one from Ohio now in the running for the federal grant money — it is one of 60 finalists out of 529 initial submissions in what is called the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant, a $1 billion program. Between 20 and 30 national winners will be announced in September, meaning the Ohio proposal has up to a 50% chance of being funded.

Those are good odds. Hopes are high that the local proposal will get funded.

A lot of work is going into it — by one estimate, as many as 20 people from various organizations have been

\\ SUMMER 2022

working full time on the project in recent months. Video conferences involving the major parties have been taking place at 7 a.m. every Friday for a while now.

Elevate Greater Akron ideas “I think we're well-positioned,” says Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber, one of the key organizations in the initiative.

A portion of the proposal grew out of discussions already taking place as part of the ongoing Elevate Greater Akron initiative that dates back to 2018, Millard says.

“One of the things we identified in

Photo courtesy THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

O

ne of the eight projects within the proposal involves constructing a “community” polymer production and commercialization building in collaboration with the University of Akron. University President Gary Miller talked about the project in his State of the University Address in February.

Proposals and cost estimates The Northeast Ohio proposal projects and cost estimates are:

$5 million Provide research and development and commercialization help to manufacturers developing remote health devices in the 18-county region.

$5 million Deploy smart sensors through Lake Erie's ports and waterways to improve freight backlogs and supply chain disruptions.

$8 million Build research and development and commercialization space to help companies developing batteries and other energy storage technology, particularly for the automotive industry.

$7 million Improve the resilience of electrical microgrids serving key industrial districts.

$15 million Build a polymer research and development and commercialization facility near the University of Akron.

$15 million that work was, we need to make bigger economic bets for the region,” he says.

Polymers, a key legacy asset of the region, is a sector that leaders feel they can focus time and investment on, Millard says.

Historically, many local polymer companies have not collaborated among themselves because of the intense competitiveness of the industry, Millard says.

But a chamber group determined there were enough joint issues within the industry that competitors could collaborate on, he says. So last year, the chamber looked at what might be done.

Their work “got a lot of traction,” Millard says. Representatives from large,

medium and small polymer companies and related industries began identifying opportunities for joint work in commercialization, research and development, new ideas, and how to support entrepreneurship and small inventors, he says.

‘Test kitchen for polymers’ One community asset they identified was a “scale-up” production facility where companies and individuals could use expensive equipment to make significant quantities of materials to test and ideally bring to market, he says. One way of thinking of the facility is as a “test kitchen for polymers,”

Provide research and development and other assistance for advanced materials used in the aerospace industry ecosystem around the NASA Glenn Research Center.

$10 million Expand capitalization capabilities in the region to increase supplier diversity and minority business growth.

$10 million Launch a business technical assistance program for "learn and earn" programs that engage underrepresented groups.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 17

Anticipated

results FOUR YEARS AFTER THE PROJECTS ARE FUNDED, THE ANTICIPATED RESULTS WILL BE:

1,000 companies helped

$1 billion in capital raised by client and portfolio companies

2,500

people prepared with in-demand skill sets and connected to jobs

20,000 jobs created or retained across the portfolio of projects

And if the Northeast Ohio project is not funded?

Millard and Karp say there will be a lot of deep disappointment, however, the work to make the initiative projects happen to help the region will go on but at a slower pace.

18 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

MAGNET President and CEO Ethan Karp believes that the proposal for federal funding represents an important economic catalyst for all of Northeast Ohio.

Photo courtesy MARIANA EDELMAN

Millard says. “It ends up being a hard asset for the region.”

Then, with those discussions already going on, “the Build Back Better announcement came out,” Millard says. “We went, wow, this is really what we are trying to do, accelerate industry clusters that had real potential in the region, to bring a broad group of folks together, and to get some major investment to do something pretty strategic for not only our region but for the U.S.” After thinking things over, the chamber and other economic development groups decided that collaborating on an initiative with broad regional impact was needed.

“I think across Northeast Ohio there are 500 core polymer companies,” Millard says. “That doesn’t even include the supply chain companies, the distribution companies, all the folks, the different pieces. We thought our best advantage was to apply together.”

Diversity, inclusion deeply threaded in plan The Akron Urban League joined the coalition putting together the grant proposal to make sure that equity is “intentionally threaded” into every part of the initiative, Teresa LeGrair, league president, says.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is an imperative for the manufacturing and polymer industries,” she says. “It is critical to understand that we cannot

CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce Steve Millard says the proposal originated from an Elevate Greater Akron initiative dating back to 2018.

Photo courtesy THE AKRON BEACON JOURNAL

have a robust talent strategy without a robust (diversity, equity and inclusion) strategy.”

The goal is to address social and racial inequities and create sustainable upward mobility, she says.

Collaboration was key Putting together the proposal has been a big investment of time, but it is all for a bigger investment in the region, says Ethan Karp, MAGNET’s president and CEO. “Being the only finalist in Ohio, and there were 15, 20 applications that we know of from Ohio (in the initial round), we feel very honored,” Karp says. “The collaboration that we pulled together across the entire Northeast Ohio region was really appreciated.

And I can’t overstate that.”

Organizations put aside their individual agendas and says, “How can the region win this?” Karp says. They looked at whether the region benefited, not themselves, he says.

“Do we strengthen the entire supply chain and make it more resilient, which is the focus of the whole thing,” he says. That will be achieved in part by addressing smart manufacturing, advanced materials and more, he says.

The Northeast Ohio proposal is threaded with goals to help diverse individuals within companies, diverse companies and commercialization of products and services from underrep-

resented owners, Karp says.

The hope is to advance the area’s manufacturing sector and grow and fill thousands of additional jobs, he explains.

“We really here are the supply chain of America. We make pieces and parts for everything,” Karp says. “And we can do that inclusively.”

That can benefit the region for decades, he says.

“Half of our economy is dependent on manufacturing,” he says.

The $75 million, if awarded, will be matched with tens of millions more dollars locally, Karp says. “This will be $100 million-plus worth of investment.”

That is enough to have an impact on a regional economy that is billions of dollars in size, Karp says.

The federal funding needs to be seen as a catalyst, he says.

And if the Northeast Ohio project is not funded?

Millard and Karp say there will be a lot of deep disappointment, however, the work to make the initiative projects happen to help the region will go on but at a slower pace.

This story was originally published in the Akron Beacon Journal on March 13, 2022. This version has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Jim Mackinnon writes for the Akron Beacon Journal.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 19

BY ABBEY BASHOR

Leading Chemical Innovation at Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc. Midwest Industrial Supply develops chemical technologies and comprehensive solutions for clients in dozens of industries.

20 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Midwest’s new manufacturing cell — located in downtown Canton — provides capacity, output, safety, and efficacy enhancements.

Photos courtesy MIDWEST INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY, INC.

I

t can be easy to take for granted the many elements of infrastructure that make daily life possible.

The roads we drive on must withstand heavy traffic and vehicle use.

Trains carrying people and goods must run efficiently, no matter the weather.

Industrial sites must contend with the threat of dust and erosion.

One Canton-based company’s goal is to ensure that these activities not only run smoothly, but are better than before.

Midwest Industrial Supply, Inc., a leader in dust control, soil stabilization and other specialty applications, has been at the forefront of improving these critical efforts for more than 45 years. The company manufactures chemical solutions and technologies for clients in various industries, including quarry, mining, construction, iron and steel, rail and mass transit.

CEO and founder of Midwest, Bob Vitale, started the company in 1975.

Before starting the company, he had been working with a group that planned to open an ice cream parlor and restaurant business. The economy ended up

taking a downward turn and Bob made the decision to move on to something different. “It was a question of whether to work for someone else or continue being independent on my own,” he says.

“I chose the path of being on my own and simply had to look around and ask, ‘What can I sell and to whom do I want to sell it?’ ” The product ended up being chemicals and chemical-based solutions.

“The interesting thing I found was that it was really unproductive to try to sell chemicals that 10 or 15 other companies were selling every day to the same people,” Bob explains. “And so I started on a path of developing products that customers were not readily able to get and that would solve problems better than anything they could get.”

This desire to differentiate started the process of learning what customers wanted out of a product and what their challenges or operational issues were. Bob says this brought Midwest its unique value.

“All of our products are sold under our registered trademarks,” he says.

“They’ve all been developed in-house and are produced by Midwest. And everything is focused specifically to bring some kind of value to our customers that is different from anything others are offering.”

Bringing Midwest Forward While Bob continues to move his entrepreneurial vision and creativity forward as CEO, his son Steve Vitale leads as president of Midwest. Steve joined the company in the early 2000s and his role today involves managing day-to-day operations as well as transforming Midwest into a professionally managed business.

“As we move from being a small, entrepreneurial company into a midsized business, we need to formalize and get our hands around systems and processes to develop and grow nationally and globally,” Steve says. “We’re bringing consistent systems, processes and behaviors into the organization so that as we scale, it’s not complete chaos.”

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 21

As part of the soil stabilization process, Midwest applies, then mixes into the aggregate, one of its many environmentally friendly products.

Steve explains that the core of the business involves dust control and stabilization practices. Midwest works with clients who typically have large, unpaved road systems or access areas.

These clients often operate hard-rock mines, quarries, steel mills and other large construction areas. Unsurprisingly, one of the biggest challenges they face is how to manage large quantities of dust.

A popular dust-control product on the market is water. While seemingly harmless, constant cycles of watering can lead to road destruction. Steve explains that when water is used to remove dust on a road, small particles called “fine dust” are being washed out. The “fine dust” is essentially the glue that holds the road together. When these particles are washed away, it can lead to potholes, rutting and the need 22 Akron-Canton Metroplex

for restoration — all high-maintenance costs. Midwest attempts to avoid these consequences by taking a much more in-depth approach.

“What we offer is not just dust control and stabilization, but an understanding of how to treat an unpaved road over its cycles,” says Steve. “And if the cycle is many years to just a season, we try to design programs specifically for the client with those particular issues because no two sites are the same.”

Steve adheres to Bob’s same principle of offering the kind of exceptional work that most competitors lack. “Every time you go into an environment, there are variables that are changing. And you’ve got to really investigate and understand and diagnose the best solution for the client. And that’s [how] what we do is completely different.”

When it comes to dust control and

\\ SUMMER 2022

other services, Midwest believes in what it calls a 40:60 ratio, with 40% of a desired outcome stemming from a product alone and 60% from that product’s application.

“Everybody in the industry tends to offer what they have as a product as their solution,” says Steve. “We actually engage and start to diagnose the root cause of what’s going on. And then we decide, based on the myriad of chemistries, R&D and products, how you would go about making the application process the most effective.”

Midwest’s in-house experts help make these products and processes as successful as possible. Gina Greenlee is the company’s geotechnical services manager and manages the on-site soils laboratory. She oversees testing done in the Geotech lab, collects data from the field for job installations and vets any

Everybody in the industry tends to offer what they have as a product as their solution.

We actually engage and start to diagnose the root cause of what’s going on. And then we decide, based on the myriad of chemistries, R&D and products, how you would go about making the application process the most effective.” — Steve Vitale, president of Midwest

The new manufacturing cell was brought online in early May 2022.

leads that come in for the stabilization unit as well as the international market.

With stabilization projects, Grenlee says that clients will contact Midwest with issues usually relating to roadways.

Her team will collect soil samples or have samples sent to their lab, classify the material and build their own samples with the material provided and use of Midwest’s products. She adds that a comprehensive report is then written.

“Midwest is very good about being involved in having someone supervise installation while it’s happening and providing quality control,” Greenlee says. “We continue to follow that project not only through the initial phases and the installation, but then afterwards we go back out and collect information so that we have all the data to make a complete story of what we achieved for the customer.”

Committed to Present & Future Midwest’s success in its core markets does not mean that the company wants to limit itself or its reach.

“We’re always looking to grow our footprint geographically from Ohio to a number of U.S. states and the international market,” says Bob. “Interestingly, we’ve taken what we’ve done to solve problems in steel mills, mines and power plants, and are now providing those solutions to vineyards and county road engineers. We are now probably in about 50 different industries.”

Midwest has two major satellite hubs in Toledo, Ohio, and Santa Maria, California, that act as facilities to receive and store product. There are also several smaller service centers across the country that are designed to be near a

few large accounts or a higher number of customers. Bob says that there are just under 100 people working for Midwest, with over half working at the headquarters in Canton.

Born and raised in Canton, Bob can’t think of a better place to live and work.

“We have a number of locations all around the country, but Canton is home,” he says. “It’s just fun to be part of the community and try to continue to be successful [here]. And it’s centrally located, which is excellent from a transportation point of view. We have a great workforce and great people. It really meets all of our needs.”

High retention rates among employees and clients speak to Midwest’s professionalism and culture.

“Midwest does have a lot of long-term

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 23

24 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Laying of a mixture of road material and a Midwest stabilization product.

employees,” says Greenlee, who has worked at the company for 18 years.

“We all stay because this is a great place to work. Bob is very passionate about innovation and environmental commitment, and a lot of us who work here have that same passion.”

In fact, environmental stewardship has been an aspect of Midwest’s business since its beginning. Bob points to the passage of the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act in the early 1970s, which required significant regulation of how materials were used and disposed of. Businesses had to make changes to their products and understand their potential environmental effects.

“It was clear that the future was using products that were manufactured for specific use,” says Bob. “So that’s what we did.”

Midwest focused on developing its first eco-conscious dust-control product called Soil Sement® and launched it in 1978. The tagline for the product was, “Dust control for the 21st century,” and it remains one of Midwest’s biggest sellers. The company continues to develop An overview of a partially treated vineyard access road in California.

bio-preferred products and works diligently to test its chemical dust suppressants and stabilization agents for any environmental impacts. It also works with third-party testing and certification agencies to ensure the environmental safety of its work

Recognizing Innovation This past spring, Midwest was recognized as Northern Ohio Exporter of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The winning business had to demonstrate increased export sales and profits, creative overseas marketing strategies, offer solutions to export-related problems and effectively use government trade promotion or financing programs. Bob and Steve estimate that exports represent 10-15% of Midwest’s current business.

“We want to grow that to a larger percent of our total business,” says Bob. “It is certainly challenging, but it also offers business success and personal satisfaction by delivering values to people in other parts of the world.”

Midwest received the award just weeks after announcing the opening of a new manufacturing cell at the company’s headquarters in Canton. The upgraded facility allows for more space, modernized equipment and better safety measures. Steve estimates that throughput time per day has increased 300% since the update, thanks to the elimination of a bottleneck that restricted the flow of product. The new facility can now produce around 10 products electronically while allowing inventory levels to be reduced by 25%.

Steve says that upgrades like this allow for the company to continue to succeed in Canton while having more to offer clients from afar.

“The way we do things, we feel, gives us a great competitive advantage,” he explains. “We take a very long-term view of customer relationships. A lot of companies are in the business of getting purchase orders. When we look at what we do, it’s always about relationship building. We take care of our people.

We take care of our customers. When we focus on that, it kind of solves its own problems.”

Abbey Bashor is a freelance writer based in Akron.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 25

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR MANUFACTURING

The Akron-Canton CNC Traning Center provides students with valuable hands-on training to prepare them for in-demand manufacturing careers.

26 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

M

BY DAN MUCCI

anufacturing within Northeast Ohio has a substantial impact and according to The 2022 Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, manufacturing in the state has a $42 billion annual payroll, and the sector possesses the highest combined payroll of any within the state.

Like many industries, over the years, manufacturing has evolved. However, what remains the same is the sector’s ability to provide jobs with competitive salaries and benefits to support a family.

The Akron-Canton CNC Training Center is one of the leading facilities in Northeast Ohio training adults for a future in manufacturing.

“The manufacturing industry is busy and active,” says Laurie Norval, director of the Akron-Canton CNC Training Center.

“Our school and the industry have stayed consistently busy. We slowed down a little bit during the pandemic (for two months), but then we resumed classes. The baby boomers who retired during the pandemic, did not return. While many high school students go to college or the military after graduating high school, there is a great dis-

parity of high school students who go into a trade.”

History of the Akron-Canton CNC Training Center Norval and her father (Lee Combs) started the Akron-Canton CNC Training Center in November of 2007 to train and prepare high school students and others to enter manufacturing. CNC Training Center students are instructed on how to operate mill and lathe machines.

The Akron-Canton CNC Training Center collaborates with OGS Industries-Lehner Screw Machine at 1169 Brittain Road in Akron, within a one-hour radius of 1,200 machine shops in Northeastern Ohio.

Norval says, “My dad owned a machine Students receive hands on training of mills and lathes.

Photo courtesy THE AKRONCANTON CNC TRAINING CENTER

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 27

Tallmadge Mayor David Cline, Director Laurie Norval, Ohio State Rep. Bob Young and Tallmadge Economic Development Director Matt Springer visiting ACTC to learn about the training program. Photos courtesy THE AKRONCANTON CNC TRAINING CENTER

shop. He previously worked for a machine school for 12 years. This training center started with our sister school, Cleveland Industrial School. We branched off from that school to start this training center.

We are a state registered branch of the main training school.”

Their database of potential employers comes from Norval’s networking in the Northeast Ohio region, which stretches from north to Cleveland; east to Youngstown; south to New Philadelphia; and west to Medina. Norval says the starting range for a student graduating is $17 to $21 plus benefits and 401K. Similar to many companies nationwide, manufacturing companies are looking to hire new employees. Norval made the reference that finding a machinist is like “finding a cup of water in the desert.” She says she receives calls from companies from as far away as Columbus, Detroit and Pennsylvania asking if she has students who want to relocate and work for them.

Exceptional Student-Teacher Ratios The CNC Training Center is a fourmonth program that accepts 15 students in each class – a morning session, 8 a.m. to noon, and an evening session, 5 to 9 p.m. Classes are offered four days a week.

Students can expect hands-on train28 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

ing while learning at the CNC Training Center and the core of the classwork involves mathematics, blueprint reading, and the demonstration and implementation of those skills using computer-based machines.

“We teach our students how to embed a series of codes and to code and program a machine to make a part,” says Norval.

Today’s manufacturing industry is different from manufacturing 40 to 50 years ago. Like many fields, technology has transformed the industry, and Norval believes this has led to many improvements. “The technology is better, the shops are cleaner, safer and manufacturers offer a better work environment,” she says.

Norval and instructor Michael Scarpitti discuss some of the challenges the industry is facing in finding the next generation of manufacturing workers.

CNC Traning Center has female students and encourages more women to learn a skilled trade.

“When I first entered the manufacturing field,” says Scarpitti, who has been teaching for 28 years, “it was all manual in the machine shop. Now, they are all CNC shop-oriented.

There are only two manual shops around. Everything today relates to blueprint reading, measuring instruments for parts, programming software that simulates language, so the students see that part being cut by the machine.”

Today’s students learn hands-on training in two machine centers and two turning centers.

To get more high school students interested in manufacturing, educators, particularly guidance counselors, need to be aware of the career opportunities in manufacturing.

Norval mentions that it is important to educate today’s guidance counselors because they are steering high school kids to go to college and the military instead of considering a career in the trades.

She says, “[Guidance counselors] are guiding kids to follow a certain path,

stick to the standard. Our training center is an alternative to college. In one semester (four months), a student can earn a certificate and 95% are guaranteed to find a good-paying job. In many instances, our students are being hired before completing their classwork.”

“Trades (manufacturing) is a year-round job. It is not a seasonal job (road work or lawn mowing). There are no layoffs. This is a consistent, continual job.”

Melanie Gross, a graduate of the AkronCanton CNC Training Center says she learned a lot about manufacturing jobs from her instructor Mike (Scarpitti).

“Mike is a well-seasoned machinist himself,’’ explains Gross. “He introduces ideas, thoughts and a new way of thinking.

As a teacher, he explains and describes the thought pattern and reasoning behind the concepts so we can understand.

The classroom instruction was well planned out, easy paced to learn and enjoyable.”

SUCCESS RATES FOR CNC TRAINING CENTER

BY THE NUMBERS

90 15:1 95% $ 2 17 25 GRADUATES PER YEAR

NUMBER OF MACHINES STUDENTS ARE TRAINED ON

STUDENT TEACHER RATIO

PER HOUR AVERAGE STARTING RATE

JOB PLACEMENT PERCENTAGE

MONTHS

AVERAGE TIME TO PAY OFF LOAN

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 29

Affordable Tuition Tuition for the program cost approximately $5,500 for the four-month program. Norval says there are training funds available through OhioMeansJobs and the Training Center does offer an interest-free payment plan, of which many students take advantage.

“I firmly believe that going to a trade school is much more beneficial in the long run for those who want to actually learn something that they can put to use immediately,” says Gross. “College instruction consists mostly of classroom lectures, theoretical concepts and classes are often taught by a teacher who has not worked in the field they are teaching, nor have any personal knowledge of the subject from a working standpoint.

Instructors at a trade college have handson knowledge of what they teach and can help students absorb and focus on the knowledge they need. The encouragement given is complemented by the teacher’s own excitement and interest in the field in which they teach.”

Scarpitti earned his journeyman certificate and has a decade of working experience in manufacturing.

“I worked in the field for 10 years as a precision machinist,” says Scarpitti.

“I was looking for a part-time job. So, I became a part-time instructor. I enjoyed teaching which led to a full-time job here in 2007. The most rewarding part is when a student gets a job. I’m interested to see where they land and what machine they are working. But, by then I am working with a new group of students.”

The manufacturing industry today is still a male-dominated industry. More females are encouraged and have been entering the field. A typical student at CNC Training Center is in their mid-tolate-20s.

“Most of our students have tried different jobs, often in an unrelated field, and have not found the success or pay level to support themselves or their family. This is a profession/career that they can work in for the rest of their life,” says Norval.

Gross says CNC Training Center students come out well prepared to be a machinist. She is in a career that has changed her life for the better. She has

30 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

OGS Industries Owner Tom Bader partnered with CNC Training Center director Laurie Norval to provide space for offices and lab equipment.

worked in multiple areas throughout her working career including foreclosure, industry preservation, legal secretary, real estate agent, teacher’s aide and she owned and operated a second-hand retail store.

Gross says, “This has allowed me to be more productive with my time. It has given me new talents and secured a financial income stream for me. A more wellrounded inventory of industry knowledge is always a benefit.”

Class time instruction offers touches on everything a student will know to run a machine. No matter what age you are as a student, this is a field you can learn and succeed.

Scarpitti stays up to date with the changes in the field to make sure he continues to have knowledge and experience to share with students. He says that while some things have stayed the same over the years, many things have improved.

Norval also says that many things have changed in manufacturing and reiterated what the CNC Training Center does and how it prepares students finishing the program for their next career.

“It used to be that shops trained their employees. Today, more companies pay us to train their employees. Our job placement is excellent as machinists are in high demand.”

Dan Mucci is a freelance writer based in Canton, Ohio.

Hunger doesn’t take a summer break.

This summer, 1 in 6 children may struggle with hunger.

No family should have to choose between nourishing food and other essential expenses.

Please visit akroncantonfoodbank.org to make a donation today.

TOGETHER, WE CAN GET FOOD INTO THE HANDS OF FAMILIES WHO NEED IT MOST.

SERVING 8 COUNTIES

NONPROFITS

ACE Mentor Program Encourages High School Students to Pursue Careers in Architecture, Construction and Engineering The ACE program is a project-based experience for high school students to learn in-demand career skills in the classroom, then design their own realistic architecture, construction or engineering-based project.

BY PATRICIA FAULHABER

32 Akron-Canton Metroplex

Past chairman and co-founder of the Akron Canton affiliate, Donald Obermeier, says the program awarded $20,000 in scholarships last month to seven students ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 in both Akron and Canton schools. Students in Canton City Schools also won a $20,000 scholarship from ACE National. In total, the program has awarded $75,000 over the past five years.

Additionally, the students are offered paid summer internships. These are paid internships through a grant from ACE National. Students can work up to 80 hours at $20/hour for a total of $1,600.

“The construction industry has been extremely busy in Summit and Stark County,” Obermeier says. “Stark and Summit County Employers are struggling to find qualified candidates to work in the architecture, construction and engineering fields. This is a national issue which was recognized almost 30 years ago by the founders of ACE National motivating them to start The ACE Mentor Program.”

How ACE Engages and Excites Students ACE follows a project-based learning strategy where mentors engage students with realistic design projects that intro-

\\ SUMMER 2022

duce them to the basic skills and knowledge of the design/construction industry.

Students in the program learn through on-site and hands-on opportunities. In addition, to mentorship professionals with the program also inform students about career paths and work-life in these professions.

“This program benefits students who may otherwise not know about careers in these fields. We specifically participate in urban schools to reach diverse students in an attempt to increase the number of diverse employees in the field,” Obermeier says.

He continues, “We intend to continue to work with students from Akron and Canton and welcome students from other schools in the Greater Akron-Canton area. It is our hope to be able to provide larger scholarships for all four years of our alumni students to ease financial challenges. We are working with other entities to help coordinate a trades day to be held in 2023 to provide a hands-on construction trades experience to high school students in Summit and Stark Counties.”

Rachel Tecca, Akron Public Schools Assistant Superintendent and Chief of

Photos courtesy ACE MENTOR PROGRAM

Akron-Canton: The mission of the Greater Akron-Canton ACE Mentor Program, is to engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering and construction (ACE). It does so through mentorship and continued support of the student’s education and career advancement in those industries.

ACE Greater Akron-Canton is an affiliate of the National ACE Mentor Program, which was founded in 1994 to educate and inspire students to consider careers in these in-demand, wellcompensated occupations.

The Akron-Canton program was launched five years ago with pilots in two high schools in the Akron Public Schools (APS) system. Within a few short years, the program expanded to include four APS schools and Canton City Schools (CCS) at McKinley High School.

Professionals from leading area architectural, construction and engineering firms volunteer their time to mentor teams of students as they design hypothetical projects. Students tour local construction sites, and visit architectural, engineering and construction offices. The program consists of twicemonthly mentoring sessions during the school year and culminates with students presenting their own projects to a panel of industry professionals at an event in April.

The results of the program are clear with several graduating students continuing their education through college and trade scholarships. The scholarships allow students to buy items they need to launch their trade careers, such as boots and tools. Or the money can be applied to purchase supplies such as computers and books.

The winning team for the Request For Proposal (RFP) presentation from McKinley High School. From left, Amir Stokes, who won a $20,000 CMiC scholarship as well as a $5,000.00 scholarship from the group’s affiliate, along with program participant Gabrielle Freeman with her $4,500.00 scholarship, Matthew Ricker with his trophy, and Kelsie Cunningham with the 3D model used for their winning RFP project.

Top: The principal officer of the ACE Mentor Program speaks at the ACE Mentor program year-end banquet held on April 27 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Akron. Left: Dana Mitchell, a mentor from Prime AE with Amir Stokes, a graduated senior in the program at Canton McKinley High School.

Right: Sara Stucky Sayner, a mentor and owner of Stucky Sayner Architects, is with Kelsie Cunningham, a student whom Sara enjoyed mentoring at McKinley high school. Kelsie says she really appreciated and enjoyed working with Sara this past school year.

Leadership and Learning says the Akron Public Schools system offers ACE as an extracurricular program with meetings held after school. Students attend one meeting every other week for about six months of the school year.

“Akron Public Schools is pleased to have the ACE program and its dedicated team working with our students,” Tecca says. “Since ACE began working with APS in 2017, the program has expanded into four high schools - Ellet Community Learning Center, Kenmore Garfield High School, Firestone CLC, and Akron Early College High School.”

Students who have an interest in architecture, construction or engineering learn from industry professionals, visit active job sites, and do “hands-on” work to develop their own project. All of which helps build their resume, makes them more competitive for scholarships and college admission and for the job market,” Tecca says.

Tecca also says the district appreciates the many professionals who step forward

to participate in the ACE program and work with students.

She adds, “Our students clearly enjoy the program and are enriched by the opportunity to participate in ACE.” Harold Ben Carter is the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Director at Canton City Schools, McKinley Senior High School. The district has been active in the program for three years.

“The ACE Mentor Program works collaboratively with our ACE advisors from the school district staff and ACE Mentors from community partners from local architecture, engineering, and construction companies,” Carter says. “Typically, these parties all meet twice a month at McKinley Senior. High School after the school day is over. The ACE Mentor Program has a very specific curriculum designed to give an overview of all three areas which lead to the student’s final project.”

Carter says typically students are also enrolled in CTE Architecture, Construction and/or Engineering Programs at their

school. The curriculum acts as an add-on to their regular studies with the “wonderful caveat of getting to work with professionals in the field.”

McKinley students have gone on to further their education at university levels or pursued careers in those professional fields. Carter adds that it prepares students to practice their expertise and skills with local manufacturers as well.

McKinley students have gone on to receive grants through the program and according to Carter, district students have been awarded a total of $49,500.

“The ACE Mentor Program is a great program that has helped transform the lives of many of our students in Canton City Schools,” Carter adds. “We look forward to continued growth and further expansion.”

Patricia Faulhaber is an award-winning freelance writer, reporter, editor and blogger for business and industry throughout Ohio, the United States and internationally.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 33

EDUCATION

How the University of Akron is Helping Train the Next Generation of Manufacturing Professionals

BY MARIA MCGINNIS

Of the 20 sectors that make up Ohio’s economy, manufacturing is the largest.

The state’s manufacturing industry is responsible for about 17% of its GDP and brings hundreds of thousands of jobs to Ohio workers, according to The Ohio Manufacturer’s Association.

Because manufacturing is such a massive industry that is constantly evolving with technological advancements, it’s key for universities within the AkronCanton Metroplex to promote and provide opportunities to those looking to develop manufacturing skills. One such university making significant strides to encourage and accommodate manufacturing studies is the University of Akron (UA).

Identifying a Need Last year, UA launched The Center for Precision Manufacturing (CPM) – a research center for faculty and students to develop finishing technologies, like grinding and hard machining, which are critical to a wide variety of manufacturing processes and require more innovation.

Stephen Johnson, Ph.D. and retired director of research and development at The Timken Company, approached UA in 2018 to talk about possibly creating some kind of research center to focus on developing individuals with an in-depth knowledge of ways to improve finishing technologies in manufacturing and even include students in the process.

This idea came from Johnson’s personal experience, not only in his own professional career, but also as a part of Timken, a major manufacturing employer in Northeast Ohio, looking to employ skillful manufacturing professionals.

At Timken and other manufacturing employers, there exists a desire and need to hire knowledgeable graduates who can come in and hit the ground running.

“What we found was if we were looking to hire somebody to do computer modeling or something, no problem.

34 Akron-Canton Metroplex

Top: Dr. Siamak Farhad training a student on a machine in the Center for Precision Manufacturing.

Bottom: A manufacturing engineering technology student at UA troubleshoots a pneumatic cylinder.

There’s a fairly decent pool out there,” Johnson says. “But if you wanted to hire somebody with experience to work in the manufacturing side as a process development engineer, then it was really slim pickings.”

Enhancing Education Along with Timken, the CPM partners with other manufacturing employers in the area, including Swagelok and Schaeffler Group, and the list of partners is continuing to grow. Not only do these partnerships help the local manufacturing industry, but they also help UA understand the short and long-term needs of the industry and provide fitting educational opportunities.

“Our partners have influence over what we teach students and we listen to them,” says Siamak Farhad, associate professor of mechanical engineering and interim director of the CPM. “We want students to easily transition into a job when they graduate with as little

\\ SUMMER 2022

of a learning curve as possible.”

Partnering with local manufacturers gives students real-world experience to expand their skills. Currently, students at the CPM are working on five different projects with industry members.

As the manufacturing industry continues changing and requiring a more evolved skillset, manufacturing-specific degrees have a much higher demand.

“This is where institutions such as the University of Akron can add value,” says Wesley Carpenter, assistant professor and program director of manufacturing engineering technology at UA. “Whether it be training new employees or retraining existing employees, by offering manufacturing-related degrees, workforce development training and curriculum support to local businesses, we seek to develop a pipeline between UA and the industry that will strengthen local businesses and the community for years to come.”

UA also recently developed a Manufacturing Certificate Program for students or those already employed in the industry who have a Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field. Along with the new certificate program, and exposure to the industry at the CPM, UA also offers an extensive list of manufacturing-specific degrees from mechanical engineering to automated manufacturing.

“To me, this center represents the spirit of what higher education should be; UA using its resources and expertise to help support local businesses and the community by training future generations of manufacturing professionals, collaborating in research initiatives and establishing pipelines so our graduates can obtain employment in this exciting field,” Carpenter says.

Maria McGinnis is a freelance writer and owner of Total Type LLC, a freelance writing and digital media company, in Stow, Ohio.

Photo courtesy MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF AKRON

How one area university is enhancing its resources to benefit students and local manufacturing employers

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Canton Gear Keeps America Moving Since 1961, the company has provided customized gear manufacturing services to customers ranging from farmers to NASA.

Photos courtesy THE CANTON REPOSITORY

BY CHARITA GOSHAY

For more than 60 years, Canton Gear Mfg. & Designing Co., Inc. has helped keep America moving — literally.

The company has supplied gears used in every aspect of building and construction.

“We’re a custom-gear manufacturer for heavy industry,” says company owner Matt Weida. “We have made gears from farmers to NASA-Goddard. We’ve made gears for heavy construction equipment, for infrastructure, for ‘Mother’ Timken — we’re glad they’re still here — and for defense work for ships.”

The family-owned business is helmed

by Weida with help from his wife, Becky, who serves as CFO. His sister, Barb Bettis, is twhe office manager.

His brother, Rocco Weida, retired from the business in 2005. “We grew up in this business,” Bettis says. “This was dinner-table conversation. We knew what spiral bevel gears were in kindergarten.”

Canton Gear excels in creating gears through what Matt Weida calls “specialized work.”

“It means either someone has a prototype, a blueprint or a part from an original manufacturer that doesn’t exist anymore,” he says. “Our title with the government is, we are a ‘build-toprint’ manufacturer.”

Weida says Canton Gear was started by their dad, Kenneth, in 1961.

Kenneth Weida worked as a tool room foreman at Canton Drop Forge before leaving to launch his own business. His partner retired in 1977.

Kenneth Weida moved the company to Canton in the 1980s, after outgrowing the original location on Waynesburg Drive SE in Canton Township. The 14,000-square-foot building was built at the turn of the 20th century as an International Harvester garage and dealership.

Matt Weida, who practically grew up on the factory floor, took mechanical engineering classes at the University

Canton Gear MFG. & Design Co. has been in business since 1961.

Matt Weida, owner of Canton Gear MFG. & Design Co., attributes his company’s success and longevity to its ability to adapt and embrace new technology.

of Toledo and Stark State, and courses offered by the American Gear Manufacturers Association.

He says technology has played a major role in the company’s 60-year evolution.

“As a manufacturer in the U.S., my opinion is, the days of this country being a ‘widget-maker’ are over,” he says.

“But specialized manufacturing is alive and well, and we’re trying to get that message out.”

Noting that Stark County has a wide range of manufacturing, Weida says one of the biggest challenges is finding employees. He’s involved with local organizations that promote workforce development in the trade industries.

“We’ve done job fairs, and we have a good relationship with R.G. Drage,” he says. “They do a great job.”

Weida urges people to consider a path apart from college.

“We need more people to have an interest in this line of work,” he says.

“It’s finding quality people. Most of our employees have been here a long time, so we’re a tight group, but the challenge is adding people to the fold.”

In 2020, Canton Gear acquired its aerospace certification (AS-1900); a seven-month process led by Becky Weida, which means it’s now eligible to manufacture parts for NASA. The gears made at Canton Gear aren’t just parts; they’re works of art.

“It’s still fun to make parts,” Weida says. “Any person who likes to craft things with their hands should consider it.”

Weida says Canton Gear has survived and thrived for more than 60 years because of its ability to adapt and embrace technology.

Bettis lauds her brother’s leadership.

“My parents used to say, ‘It’s sink or swim,’ ” she says. “Matt’s been making it swim for years now.”

This story was originally published in the Canton Repository on March 10, 2022. This version has been lightly edited for length and clarity. Christina Goshay writes for the Canton Repository.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 35

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

The Main Place to Gather

North Canton’s Main Street is home to staple businesses and community events. BY KELSEY PAULUS Throughout the summer months, North Stilt walkers parade through Canton blooms with new and annual downtown North Canton at last year’s Main Street Festival. events for the community to thrive, many of which occur on Main Street, which runs through the heart of the city.

North Canton has always been a place for business and economic development since its founding as New Berlin in 1831. In 1908 the Hoover Company was established with a factory in the heart of the city on Main Street. Now with a city population of almost 17,000, Main Street has served as the central hub of the city for years on end, not only for events like the Main Street Festival and holiday parades, but also for Photo courtesy KERI BURICK various businesses that are either new or have been staples to the community out and participate in North Canton’s for years, such as El Rincon and Ro’s many events, and city officials are Custard Creations. eager to serve their community again Main Street is also the home to the by creating an exciting and inclusive city’s government building and other environment for the city. Mayor prominent community stops. The Stephan Wilder, who has served in his North Canton Public Library, City Hall role since December 2019, has seen and the North Canton Area Chamber firsthand how the pandemic has affected of Commerce are placed perfectly in the community’s wellbeing. He says it is the center of the town, all of time to move forward, attract which are big supporters of Photo courtesy CRAIG JAMES more businesses and make community engagement. downtown a destination for The Chamber of Commerce the city.

President Keri Burick has “I think our brighter days lived in North Canton her are ahead of us,” Wilder says. whole life. Before serving as “I think we’re still coming president, she served as the out of the pandemic mindset, outreach services manager at but I think people want to the public library. As someone see things happening for who has been involved with North Canton Mayor our city. I think we’re on the Stephan Wilder believes the city and planning events the city’s Main Street right course in trying to get for its residents, Burick is culturally and development going and bring believes it’s important to economically essential jobs in, of course, and support recognize how community for residents. our schools and support our plays a role in creating an engaging city government.” place to live.

Wilder believes that North Canton has “As a Chamber President, I want to always been a place for small businesses. be their support system, I want them to In the past few years, Main Street has know that the city is here for them, and welcomed various new businesses, for those people that want to come into including Pav’s Creamery, The Howlin North Canton and open up a business, I Bird, and more recently, Shale Craft want them to know that it’s an inclusive Coffee and Tremont Coffee Company. place to be,” Burick says.

This summer will be the 25th Since the COVID-19 pandemic, North year of the Main Street Festival, the Canton residents have been eager to go Chamber’s biggest event of the year. On 36 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Every Thursday in July – Live at the Library, 5:30 – 7 p.m.

The North Canton Public Library hosts live music and food vendors on its Main Street Patio. Every Thursday in July, different musicians will perform for the North Canton community.

July 20 - North Canton Farmers Market, 3 – 6 p.m.

Held at the North Canton Civic Center, here visitors can enjoy a selection of locally created farm products, baked and preservers goods crafts and more!

August 5 - Breakfast Networking. 8 – 9 a.m.

Join local entrepreneurs for a breakfast and networking event held at the Walther’s Twin Tavern.

August 13 – Main Street Festival, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Over 100 business and food vendors will line up on Main Street for the annual festival. North Canton residents will spend the day visiting local businesses and indulging in different activities and performances.

September 24 – Chocolate Walk on Main Street, 1 – 4 p.m.

North Canton Residents tour Main Street businesses by collecting a piece of chocolate from each participating location. This event gives people the opportunity to tour businesses in the area.

August 13, North Canton businesses, performers and vendors will gather with the community for the chance to show what great things they bring to the city. Last year an estimated 8,000 people attended the festival, the biggest turnout in its history.

“This is our gathering place,” Burick says. “It’s the one area in our city that everyone’s familiar with. If you’ve grown up here, this is where you rode your bike, this is where you walked to different stores, this is where you came and gathered at Bitzer Park or you walked in front of the Hoover Company because your parents worked there — it’s the heart of our city, there’s no doubt about it.”

Kelsey Paulus is a freelance writer from Kent, Ohio, and recently graduated from Kent State University.

HEALTH CARE

Addressing Youth Mental Health in Schools

Teresa Fletcher took over as the lead nurse practitioner for Akron Children’s Hospital’s schoolbased health program in December of 2021.

Photo courtesy AKRON CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Akron Children’s Hospital provides school-based programming to meet the social-emotional and behavioral health needs of kids.

BY ERIN SIEGFERTH

With social and societal pressures, academic stress, family dynamics, and a rapidly-developing brain, many children feel overwhelmed as they navigate life. For some, mental health challenges arise at a young age.

Youth mental health has been a topic of concern since before the pandemic.

According to the CDC, prior to COVID19, one in five children had a mental disorder, but only 20% of those children received mental health care.

Now, after three years of the COVID19 pandemic, it is no surprise children’s mental health needs are greater than ever.

For children ages 5 to 11, there was a 24% increase in mental health emergency visits between March 2020 and October 2020, according to CDC data.

For children ages 12 to 17, there was a 31% increase.

As of 2022, one in three high school students experiences persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, according to the American Psychiatric Association. In response to these alarming increases, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy issued a public health advisory in December of 2021 calling for action around the children’s mental health crisis.

While children’s mental health needs increase, mental health professionals are stretched thin, making it more difficult for children to get the care they need.

Jessica McDonald, a professional school counselor at David Hill CLC in Akron, says there are more individual students who need extra social and emotional support compared to before the pandemic.

“Families need support,” she says.

“There’s not a problem child…it’s a

family system.”

As parents do their best to cope with demands of everyday life, children may exhibit behavioral changes as a result.

“We’re seeing family disconnect and a disjointedness of families in survival mode,” says McDonald. “We see that come out in student emotions and behaviors, because parents are doing an amazing job out in the world and doing everything they can to make ends meet, and then you see that have an impact on the family structure.”

Akron Public Schools is currently expanding school counseling so every elementary school will have its own full-time counselor. This will allow counselors to connect more effectively with students and families.

McDonald stresses the importance of partnership among helpers to make wellness more easily attainable for families. One example of this kind of partnership is the nurse practitioner program through Akron Children’s Hospital.

Streamlining Care for Akron-Canton Children In 2019, Akron Children’s Hospital launched a philanthropically-funded health program that brought nurse practitioners to schools. The program has grown since its start, now comprising nine nurse practitioners across 12 school districts.

Teresa Fletcher recently began her role as the Program Development Coordinator of Akron Children’s Hospital’s school-based health program. As the lead nurse practitioner, she hires and trains nurse practitioners for the program.

“One of the biggest barriers to care

for families is transportation,” Fletcher says. “By bringing the care directly to where the student is most of their day, which is school, it removes that barrier to care.”

The program’s nurse practitioners visit each school at least once a month for consultations.

During visits with in-school nurse practitioners, children undergo mental health screenings. Then, if needed, the nurse practitioner connects the child and their family with care resources.

Soon, these resources will include wraparound services like partnerships with social workers and the Akron Children’s behavioral health department.

School closures due to the pandemic called for more telehealth visits as children stayed home. To supplement telehealth services, children could also visit school locations so a nurse practitioner could take their vitals in person.

According to Fletcher, Akron Children’s school-based health program saw 356 visits during the 2020-2021 school year. She says she expects to see that number rise dramatically in the coming years thanks to the increase in the number of nurse practitioners in the program.

In the fall, Akron Children’s Hospital will spread the word about the schoolbased health program at community back-to-school events.

“It’s important that the community knows about the program. That they know that we’re there embedded within the schools to help their kids with whatever they need,” says Fletcher.

“We want to become a community partner with the school and the families.”

Erin Siegferth is a freelance writer based in Chicago, Illinois.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 37

TOURISM

A mid-century style living room display at Main Street Modern.

Photo courtesy SAM LILENFIELD

Main Street Modern Offers Mid-century Style Expertise in Canton & Beyond Main Street Modern draws mid-century and vintage enthusiasts from across the country to its collection.

BY ABBEY BASHOR

Before Adam Hoover ever thought of opening his own brick-and-mortar business, he attended auctions with his dad. A few dollars in hand, he’d buy inexpensive boxes to take home and sift the contents. Occasionally, he would find something special or unique — a hidden treasure of sorts. That thrill of discovery fostered the excitement that would lead to his eventual career.

Hoover grew up in a family that would often go to flea markets and he learned to have an appreciation for high-quality items. His interest in mid-century design took off during college, where he first started buying and selling furniture from his dorm room.

After registering his company in 2008 and filling up his first 5,000-square-foot building, he knew that it was only just the beginning.

“I fell in love with it,” Hoover says of mid-century modern design. “And any time that someone business-oriented falls in love with something, it becomes like a rabbit hole. You start doing all this research and it doesn’t feel like work. So, I just learned as much as I possibly could. I mean, I’m still learning.”

Expanding Their Reach Now as the owner and founder of Main Street Modern, Hoover buys and sells furniture and decorative art in the mid-century modern style. He’s been at his current location on Mulberry Road 38 Akron-Canton Metroplex

in Canton for nine years and the company has seven employees. The showroom boasts more than 40,000 square feet and is home to a range of items, which Hoover says are sold to everyone from college students to New York City designers.

Hoover says much of his business today is done over the phone and online. “We work with a lot of designers, so we do major projects really all over the world,” he explains.

Main Street Modern has worked with luxury department store Bergdorf Goodman and designer Kelly Wearstler, as well as with people designing spaces for restaurants, hotels, and clothing stores throughout the world. Hoover estimates that the company sold midcentury pieces for 12 different movies last year alone.

As for the showroom, it’s open two days a week from April to October and still attracts a large local following of buyers from the region. On opening day, Hoover estimates foot traffic reached the hundreds, if not thousands, and sales were in the tens of thousands.

“The regional market has drastically increased in the last 10 years,” he says.

Where Art is Found To find exceptional pieces, Hoover travels to the East Coast at least once a

\\ SUMMER 2022

week. He’ll visit auctions, flea markets and consignment stores on a regular basis. He also works with people in Cleveland and Philadelphia who will search online and frequent multiple thrift stores each day. Hoover will then drive to these locations, pay for items up front, and bring them back to the shop. Despite much of his business taking him elsewhere, Northeast Ohio remains home for Hoover.

Another major source of material comes from doing clean-outs of homes.

Hoover explains that when relatives or executors of an estate need to get rid of items, they will call him. Furniture and art that was passed down for generations ends up without anywhere to go. Hoover will go in and purchase any mid-century pieces, often discovering something great.

Recently, he and his team cleaned out the home of Cleveland-based architect Edward H. Swick. Hoover says that because architects have an eye for design, “they tended to be the ones to buy the [mid-century] furniture.” Last year he found a Waylande Gregory sculpture from early in the ceramist’s career. He also discovered a rare piece by artist Evelyn Ackerman that was left in the basement of a Canton home. The piece was a mosaic tile mermaid sculpture of incredible value and singularity.

Eventually, Ackerman’s daughter got in

contact with Hoover and purchased the piece, which now sits in a museum in California.

“It’s incredible because these things are disappearing every day,” he says.

“They’re becoming more valuable because they’re harder to find.”

Adding Vintage to the Mix Main Street Modern’s offerings don’t stop at furniture and art. The company’s vintage clothing store Lost Thread Vintage has also taken off during the past few years.

Evan Rutledge was selling vintage clothing at a Canton flea market when he happened to meet Hoover. A few years later, Rutledge started working at Main Street Modern and would join Hoover on house clean-outs, keeping an eye open for any vintage items he could find. Naturally, they formed the idea to sell vintage clothes on the store’s second floor. Despite little-to-no promotion, they were surprised to see how

many customers would check out with the clothing in tow.

“Usually, if you’re into vintage furniture, you’re probably into vintage clothing,” says Rutledge. “It kind of attracts the same crowd.”

What started as a simple rack from Rutledge’s collection led to the nowrenovated Lost Thread shop housed within Main Street Modern. Well-lit with an open floor plan, the space itself is meant to evoke the kind of higherend vintage store you might find in New York or L.A., Hoover says.

“We wanted to make it a unique and special place for vintage clothing lovers to come to,” adds Rutledge. “It’s not just one style [here]. We have lots of different styles and sizes and eras. We wanted to offer variety to the vintage community and also have a space that looked visually pleasing to be in.”

Rutledge is one of five vendors currently selling vintage clothing through the store. Sales take place in-person for the most part, though Lost Thread is

starting to sell more items through Instagram. Rutledge explains that people everywhere are seeking vintage clothing for reasons that extend beyond the cool, edgy factor.

“We’re definitely trying to fight fast fashion,” he says of vintage clothing’s durability. “These pieces are typically made in the USA, with good fabrics and usually by union labor. They have a unique look and feel, and last for decades. People like the quality.”

For Hoover, everything comes back to the idea of finding things that are lasting and one-of-a-kind.

“What I’m buying and selling, it’s not even just furniture. It’s a piece of art. It’s a piece of history. And as the world becomes more in-tuned to our environment and what’s green, I think that there’s nowhere to go but up for vintage furniture and clothing.”

Abbey Bashor is a freelance writer based in Akron.

SUMMER 2022 \\

Akron-Canton Metroplex 39

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

Manufacturing is Big Business Throughout Ohio and Akron-Canton Metroplex

Manufacturing drives close to

of Ohio’s economy.

DATA COMPILED BY AARON BENNETT

At almost

s the largest of Ohio’s 20 economic sectors, manufacturing is an essential part of the Akron-Canton Metroplex’s economy. In 2020, our state’s manufacturing sector GDP was an impressive 103.3 billion, placing it fourth in the nation behind only California, Texas and Illinois.

Additionally, Ohio is third in the nation in total manufacturing employees and total annual payroll, and the field provides its workers with stable, well-paying jobs. In 2020, the average annual earnings of Ohio workers on manufacturing payrolls was $65,000.

manufacturing’s contribution to Ohio’s GDP is greater than that of any other industry sector.

Manufacturing accounts for more than

Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2020 Annual Survey of Manufacturers, January 2022

jobs statewide.

Ohio has more than 13,000 manufacturing establishments, over 10% of which reside within the Akron-Canton Metroplex.

Each manufacturing job pays for another

other jobs in the economy.

of Ohio’s top employers are manufacturers.

Summit

Portage

jobs from factories to restaurants to banks are impacted by manufacturing.

Stark

Carrol

Source: U.S. Census 2019 County Business Patterns

40 Akron-Canton Metroplex

\\ SUMMER 2022

Manufacturing contributes

more to the GRP than healthcare.

BEING WELL Health insurance built around you.

At AultCare, we take you and your family’s healthcare personally.

AultCare offers accessible, personalized customer service so you speak to a real person every time you call. With an expansive network of hospitals and providers, you get the care you need the way you want it — because you matter.

330-363-6360 | 2600 Sixth St. SW, Canton

7603/22

Struggling to get your team back in the office?

Have a boring location?

AES BUILDING The Downtown amenities your team wants Where Akron’s Leading Businesses Thrive

for more...

AESbuilding.com